The Iceman is back as Val Kilmer suits up for Top Gun 2

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

When we think of TOP GUN, we also think of Tom Cruise, but Tony Scott's 1986 film wouldn't have been what it was without Val Kilmer, and the thought of the sequel moving forward without him didn't sit quite right with fans. Thankfully, the Iceman will indeed return as The Wrap has reported that Val Kilmer will be appearing in TOP GUN: MAVERICK. Paramount declined to comment on the casting, but Val Kilmer has reportedly been spotted around the "San Diego hotel the studio has been using since production began."

Tom Cruise announced that production on the long-awaited sequel had kicked off last week, which will find the actor reprising his role of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he serves as a mentor to a new generation of U.S. Navy fighter pilots. The plot will also supposedly be tackling issues relating to drone warfare, and Cruise has teased that like the first film, the sequel will be a competition film, but with a progression for the character of Maverick. As development on the TOP GUN sequel has been ongoing for many years, Val Kilmer has made no secret of his desire to return, so it's great to see that he'll get the chance to share the big-screen with Tom Cruise once again. The actor has also been flying under the radar in recent years thanks to some serious health issues, and he's been sorely missed. Joseph Kosinski (TRON: LEGACY) will be helming TOP GUN: MAVERICK from a script by Eric Warren Singer, Peter Craig and Justin Marks.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK is set for a July 12, 2019 release.